Folklore Kerala - IV 

This artwork presents us with a woman in what appears to be a natural setting, her dress decorated with an image of an elephant, and holding up a blue disc with another image of an elephant on it. The elephant, or Ganesha, a deity revered in Hinduism, appears here as a symbol of wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune. Such depictions of Ganesha appear throughout the history of Indian art. From ancient sculptures to modern paintings, the image of Ganesha has been invoked across a range of spiritual and cultural practices. In this artwork, the image of the elephant is not merely a symbol, but a carrier of cultural memory. Like the motifs of classical antiquity, the elephant has had a long afterlife, appearing in different guises across different cultures, accumulating new meanings, and speaking to our deepest collective memory. The emotional power of this image lies in its ability to engage viewers on a subconscious level, evoking a sense of familiarity. Ultimately, the cyclical journey of symbols like Ganesha remind us of the non-linear nature of history and the enduring power of images to connect us to the past.